STUART O’NEILL FROM HOUGH GREEN SENTENCED IN WARRINGTON FOR ABUSE OF TWO SISTERS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Stuart O’Neill, a 46-year-old resident of Cherry Sutton in Hough Green, was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young sisters. The crimes, which spanned nearly a decade, involved disturbing acts of abuse carried out within the confines of O’Neill’s home, specifically in his attic, where he exploited the trust placed in him by the children and their family.

O’Neill appeared before Warrington Crown Court on a Monday, where he pleaded guilty to ten counts of indecent assault and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The court was informed by prosecutor Matthew Dunford that the abuse of the eldest sister, now aged 17, occurred between 1999 and 2002, when she was between nine and eleven years old. Following this, O’Neill turned his predatory attention to the youngest sister, who is now 15, subjecting her to abuse from when she was ten until February 2008.

The court heard that the two sisters had been frequent visitors to O’Neill’s residence, as he had been placed in a position of trust and responsibility within their family. This trust was tragically exploited over many years, with the abuse occurring in the privacy of his home, specifically in the attic where he would take the girls to retrieve toys or for other reasons. The youngest sister confided in a classroom assistant about the abuse in May of this year, which prompted police intervention. During police interviews, her older sister revealed that she had been O’Neill’s first victim.

Prosecutor Dunford detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, stating that O’Neill would often tell the younger girl she was “gorgeous” during their visits to the attic. He would sometimes give her money to keep her quiet, a tactic that appeared to have worked until police questions brought the truth to light. The youngest sister described how the abuse had “ruined her life,” leading her to self-harm, while her older sister reported difficulties forming relationships, fear of men, and suffering from severe nightmares, also resorting to self-harm.

When arrested on May 22, O’Neill initially denied the allegations, claiming that he and the youngest girl had been “horsing around.” However, he later admitted to the offenses during a subsequent interview on June 9, after the accusations from the older sister emerged. It was also revealed that O’Neill had a prior conviction from 2006 for possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Throughout the proceedings, O’Neill’s defense solicitor, Natalia Cornwall, expressed that her client had made “full and frank” admissions and was deeply remorseful. She emphasized his guilt and shame, stating that he was “racked with guilt” over his actions.

Judge Roger Dutton delivered a stark condemnation of O’Neill’s conduct, describing his abuse as a “blight” on the futures of the two young women. The judge highlighted the horrific impact of the crimes, emphasizing the lasting damage inflicted upon the victims. As a result, O’Neill was sentenced to two consecutive four-year prison terms, ordered to comply with a sexual offences prevention order, and was placed on the sex offender’s register for life. Throughout the sentencing, O’Neill showed no visible reaction or emotion as he was led away from the court, leaving a community shaken by the revelations of his crimes in Hough Green and Warrington.